CAMPAIGNERS waging a war against unpopular MP Eric Forth have announced a dramatic U-turn in their strategy. Friends of the Earth (FoE) says its campaign against Bromley and Chislehurst's MP is to be suspended after he showed signs of backing down in his one-man crusade for democracy. Mr Forth was branded the most unpopular MP in Britain when he blocked two Private Members' Bills, backed by his own Conservative front bench colleagues. One aims to introduce stringent checks and licensing for minicab drivers, the other would give house buyers the right to an energy efficiency survey of new homes.

Mr Forth claimed victory when he won further debate time for the minicabs bill. Now Friends of the Earth Parliamentary co-ordinator Ron Bailey says the "anti-Eric" campaign is to be suspended. But Mr Bailey was staying tight-lipped about what has prompted the decision and denied any deals had been struck with Mr Forth. He said: "I have not spoken to him directly. This is not backing down, I must stress this. Many people are discussing these bills with Mr Forth. It is right this should take place in a calm atmosphere, not over-shadowed by a major campaign."

A public meeting tonight will still go ahead but advertised speakers have been cancelled.

Mr Forth said: "It's no secret. Representatives of both black cabs and minicab drivers have met with me and I shall approach the Commons committee now better informed. I don't know why Friends of the Earth seem to think their actions are so important. What matters is the opinion of those people whose livelihood this bill directly affects."

Mr Forth said he would be tabling amendments to the minicabs bill this week.

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